Fall is a favorite time of year for many. With it, brings a slow down from summer, a change in weather and beautiful brights colors of red, orange and yellow. The fall season is also a great time for festivals! From pumpkins to apples and harvest to hayrides, this is your guide to fall festivals in Michigan.
While this list includes many fall festivals throughout the state of Michigan, it is definitely not all of them. Most of them are fall themed, with a few others that are not. So, if you have a festival you love, and it is not listed, then comment below and I can add it to the list! After all, the more the merrier, right?
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, as an Amazon Associate or other affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
But first, if your looking for some fall decorating inspiration to get you in the fall mood, these are super cute!
Fall Table Decor and Thanksgiving Gnomes
Fall Wreath and Pumpkin Spice Latte Cups
Burlap Banner and Candy Corn Decor
And now, lets jump in and take a look at all the great fall festivals in Michigan. They are listed by month and in chronological order.
September Fall Festivals in Michigan
Michigan Renaissance Festival | Holly
Dates: 7 weekends: August 19 thru October 1, 2023
Michigan Renaissance Festival is held over 7 weekends and a great start to Michigan fall festivals season. Transport yourself back in time with this medieval-themed festival, featuring jousting tournaments, period performances, and artisan vendors. Tickets can be purchased in advance for festival entry along with special event tickets such as Whiskey Tastings, Kings Happy Hour, Joust Brunch and others. Make sure to check the schedule for themed weekends and updates.
Detroit Jazz Festival | Detroit
Dates: September 1 – 4, 2023
Detroit Jazz Festival is a free event that is held every year over Labor Day weekend. Located at Hart Plaza and Campus Martius Park in Detroit, it is the largest free jazz festival in the world. VIP and opening night party tickets available. Check the program schedule for updates on artists and times. A must see if you live in Metro Detroit.
Lewis Farms & Petting Zoo Fall Festival | New Era
Dates: September 2 – October 31, 2023
At Lewis Farms plan for a day full of fun! Your admission ticket includes all the fall festival activities such as corn maze, pumpkin patch, pumpkin house and more. With some games and activities at an additional change, this family friendly event is fun for everyone. Also, come hungry so you can grab some goodies at the bakery.
Posen Potato Festival | Posen
Dates: September 8 – 10, 2023
Posen Potato Festival is an annual event held the weekend after Labor Day. You get to celebrate the potato and the Polish American heritage of the people living in the small village of Posen. The festival includes vendors, the Spud Run, arts and crafts, carnival, parade, live music performances and various food options. And I’m guessing there will be many things potato related.
Plymouth Fall Festival | Plymouth
Dates: September 8 – 10, 2023
Plymouth Fall Festival is 3 days of activities including pancake breakfast, car show, craft show, bingo, pet show, carnival, live entertainment and so much more. Some events are free and others require an admission fee. So grab a friend and enjoy the fall festival.
Allegan County Fair | Allegan County Fairgrounds
Dates: September 8 – 16, 2023
Allegan County Fair is the one of the largest fairs in the state of Michigan offering agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and live entertainment.Tickets are $10 per adult and $5 for youth and kids are free. Check the website for weekly admission specials and tickets for entertainment. It’s a fun and well known event for the entire family.
Harvest Moon Celebration | Downtown Farmington
Dates: September 14 – 16, 2023
Harvest Moon Celebration is a farewell to summer and welcome to fall event. This 3 day event offers 3 nights of adult fun with harvest food pairings, craft beers and ciders, fine wines and live music. On Saturday from 9am to 2pm the family friendly Harvest market is open. Tickets are $10 per person per night for the evening events. So come have some adult fun!
Oktoberfest | Frankenmuth
Dates: Septemer 14 – 17, 2023
Located in Heritage Park, Oktoberfest is a German-inspired festival featuring music, food, and plenty of beer. This 4 day event is held in the Bavarian themed town of Frankenmuth. Tickets are $10 per day per person. Kids 15 and under are free. With music, dancing and wiener dog races this event is one not to miss. And if you’ve never been to Frankenmuth, this festival will give you the full experience.
ArtPrize | Grand Rapids
Dates: September 14 – October 1, 2023
ArtPrize is an international art competition that runs for 18 days in the fall. Join this free event featuring hundreds of artworks on display in galleries, storefronts, parks and museums. It is a unique festival attracting artists and art enthusiasts and the public gets votes on the winners of $400,000 in prizes. So come visit and cast a vote.
Michigan Apple Fest | Sparta
Dates: September 15 & 16, 2023
Michigan Apple Fest is a 2 day event filled with apples and activities. The schedule of events include tractor rides, pony rides, petting zoo, apple pie baking contest, apple pie eating contest, live music and so many fun things. So come join the harvest fun and find your favorite apple.
Fallasburg Fall Festival | Fallasburg
Dates: September 16 & 17, 2023
Fallasburg Fall Festival is a 2 day historic village celebration featuring 100 fine art and craft vendors. There are also food booths, craft area for kids, demonstrations, outdoor music and more. The event is free and parking is $5 per car. It is another great festival to welcome fall.
Harvest Festival | Howard City
Date: September 16, 2023
Harvest Festival is an annual event held the third weekend of September. It is fun for the whole family with children’s activities, car and motorcycle show, tractor show, live music, grand parade, and so much more!
Michigan Fall Festival | Lake Orion
Dates: September 24 & 25, 2023
Michigan Fall Festival is a family friendly outdoor event welcoming fall. With fresh cider and donuts from Yates Cider Mill , pumpkin tic-tac-toe, pumpkin bowling, hay bale pyramid, ballon artists, petting zoo farm animals, kids costume contest, doggie parade and more, its a great fall festival. Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 (cash) at the door.
Diehl’s Orchard & Cider Mill Fall Festival | Holly
Dates: September 23 & 24, 2023
Ciderfest is 2 days of family fun with food trucks, hay rides, pumpkin patch, apple cider, pony rides, corn maze and so much more! Come grab a hot , cold or slushy cider along with a their famous hot donuts! Perfect event for fall weather.
Festival of the Senses | Clinton Township
Dates: September 24 & 25, 2023
Festival of the Senses is a 2 day cultural celebration featuring over 100 artists and specialty food vendors. With live music and a variety of activities, its fun for the entire family.
Boyne City Harvest Festival |downtown Boyne City
Date: September 30, 2023
Held the last Saturday of September, Boyne City Harvest Festival is a celebration of fall harvest. With a farmers market, children’s activities, live music, arts and craft vendors and lots of fall produce its a great place to spend the day. Note: The entire Boyne City Farmers Market moves to Water and Lake Streets for the festival.
October Fall Festivals in Michigan
Pumpkinfest | Zeeland
Dates: October 6 & 7, 2023
Pumpkinfest is an annual 2 day event that celebrates community, family fun and fall activities in the charming town of Leeland. The event offers free and low-cost activities that can be enjoyed by all ages. With live music on Main Street, Pumpkinfest Parade, pumpkin-themed contests, crafts and a classic car show its good times for all.
Ludington Fall Festival | Ludington State Park
Date: October 7, 2023
Ludington Fall Festival is a one day event that includes horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, beach bonfire, apples, donuts, and cider. Free Admission however donations are appreciated. This years event has not been scheduled yet, although tentative dates for October 7th have been set.
Cranberry Harvest Days | South Haven
Dates: October 7 & 14, 2023
Cranberry Harvest Days is a special time where DeGrandchamps opens up their cranberry bog fields to the public. Come experience the cranberry harvest with trolley rides out to the bogs, view the packing facility, sample food tastings, shop at the market, play games, and more! It is an all about cranberry event.
Holland Fall Fest | Holland
Dates: October 7 & 8, 2023
Holland Fall Fest is 2 days of fall-themed activities for everyone. This year will feature professional pumpkin carvers, pumpkin decorating, street performers, downtown walking tours and the Fall Artisan Market. See for yourself why Holland was voted one of America’s prettiest towns.
Zoo Boo | Detroit Zoo
Dates: 2 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 7-8, 14-15 and 20-22. 2023
Zoo Boo is a trick-or-treating event along with festive pumpkin displays, strolling entertainment from jugglers and magicians and themed photo opportunities. Costumes are welcomed with each weekend offering a different themes. The entire zoo will be open so you can visit the animals while enjoying the festivities. Tickets are only available in advance for $17 to $22, so get yours when they go on sale to the public August 25th.
Fennville Goose Festival | Fennville
Dates: October 12 – 15, 2023
Fennville Goose Festival is A family-friendly festival that honors the fall migration of geese. Activities include a parade, car show, carnival, cornhole and pickleball tournament as well as live entertainment, vendor market, local food trucks and more. So flock to the fun this fall!
Charlevoix Apple Festival | Charlevoix
Dates: October 13 – 15, 2023
Charlevoix Apple Festival is held the second weekend of October every year. This annual festival celebrates the magic of autumn with 3 days of fun activities including arts and crafts show, farmers market, apple fest paint party, petting farm, face painting and so much more. Join this small town for a big town celebration to support local farmers.
Appleumpkin Festival | Downtown Tecumseh
Dates: October 14 & 15, 2023
Tecumseh’s Appleumpkin Festival is a great time for the entire family. With Arts and Crafts show, Antique Fair and Tractor Show, carnival games and rides, live entertainment apple and pumpkin themed treats and lots of other activities, Its two days of fun for everyone.
Color Cruise and Island Festival | downtown Grand Ledge
Dates: TBD
Color Cruise and Island Festival is an annual event that usually takes places the 2nd weekend of October. The festival celebrates the color of the autumn. See the fall colors on a paddle wheel boat cruise down the Grand River. And also enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, rock climbing, fur traders, candle making, pumpkin painting, food vendors and so much more.
Mackinac Island’s Halloween Weekend | Mackinac Island
Dates: October 27 -29, 2023
Celebrate early at Mackinac Island’s Halloween Weekend. This event marks the last weekend before most of the islands businesses close for the season. Join the fun for Great Turtle Trail Run, trick-or-treating for kids and Halloween costume parties for adults. It is fun for everyone.
November Fall Festivals in Michigan
Flapjack & Flannel Festival | Traverse City
Date: November 11, 2023
Wear your flannel and come drink delicious brews, wines and cocktails paired with flapjacks at Jacob’s Farm. The Flapjack & Flannel Festival is a fun event for adults and kids with live music in a heated barn. Advance ticket and shuttle service available. So grab that flannel and come have some fun.
Luminary | St. Joseph
Date: November 17, 2023
Kick off the holiday season at Luminary 2023 in St Joseph. Enjoy an evening downtown with lights while you shop, eat and drink and be merry. The event takes place from 5pm to 8pm and is free to attend.
Festival of Trees | Rochester
Dates: November 17 – 19, 2023
Festival of Trees is a 2 day free event showcasing beautiful design of trees, wreaths, centerpieces and more. However you can get a sneak peak and first choice at some of the wonderful designs. Join Friday night for refreshments, silent auction, cash bar and opportunity to bid on the holiday items before the event opens to the public.
Holiday Glow & Christmas Market | Brighton
Date: November 18, 2023
Celebrating its 3rd year, Holiday Glow & Christmas Market will return in 2023. Join the festivities from 1pm to 7pm as the event kicks off the holiday season with beautiful lights and holiday spirit. There will be shopping, activities, petting zoo, food trucks, local performers, train rides and more!
Kerstmarkt | Holland
Dates: November 18 – December 16, 2023
A long standing holiday tradition in the town of Holland. Kerstmarkt, which means Christmas market in Dutch is an outdoor European-style market. This fun event is a great place to get into the holiday spirit, do some shopping, gather with friends and enjoy some food, drinks and entertainment.
Crafts-n-Beer Indie Arts & Crafts Fest | Detroit
Date: November 25, 2023
Crafts-n-Beer Indie Arts & Crafts Fest is a free holiday handmade craft show located at Motor City Brewing Works warehouse in the heart of Midtown Detroit. Enjoy craft beer and pizza while you shop the indoor holiday market. Come support local artists and small businesses.
Fall Color Tours in Michigan
And for those who prefer to shy away from crowds but still want to experience the beauty of fall and all its vibrant colors, this is for you. There are many wonderful drives and locations where you can enjoy stunning fall foliage. Here is a short list of places to visit:
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- US-41 Tree Tunnel into Copper Harbor
- Copper Peak in Marquette
- Tahquamenon Falls State Park
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route
- Ludington State Park
Each of these fall festivals in Michigan offers a unique and delightful experience, celebrating the colors, flavors, and traditions of the season. Be sure to check the festival’s official website for specific dates, schedules, and any updates before attending. Enjoy the season and beauty of autumn in Michigan!
Other fun things to do in Michigan
Great Sunflower Fields in Michigan To Visit
Have A Great Time At These Petting Farms In Michigan
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